A rechargeable battery is provided, which includes a protection layer with an inversion plate, thereby improving safety by preventing the inversion plate from malfunctioning. In one example embodiment, the rechargeable battery includes an electrode assembly including a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, and a separator disposed between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate, a case accommodating the electrode assembly, and a cap assembly coupled to the case, wherein the cap assembly comprises a cap plate sealing the case and having a short-circuit opening, an inversion plate installed in the short-circuit opening of the cap plate, and a connection plate installed to cover the short-circuit opening of the cap plate, and a protection layer having a higher melting point than the cap plate is formed under the inversion plate.